Apple set to replace Google Maps with their own

Today, 9to5Mac reported that Apple will abandon Google’s mapping back-end in the next major iteration of iOS, replacing it with a brand-new mapping application powered by Apple technology.

A few hours later, AllThingsD’s John Paczkowski independently confirmed that Apple indeed will replace Google Maps with its own Maps application in iOS 6.

We’ve independently confirmed that this is indeed the case. Sources describe the new Maps app as a forthcoming tentpole feature of iOS that will, in the words of one, “blow your head off.” I’m not quite sure what that means, and the source in question declined to elaborate, but it’s likely a reference to the photorealistic 3-D mapping tech Apple acquired when it purchased C3 Technologies.

This comes as now huge surprise because from 2009 – 2011 Apple acquired three mapping companies Placebase, Poly9, and C3 Technologies. There is no question Apple has been working on their on mapping solution and it looks like we will all see it soon.

Apple is expected to unveil the new Map application next month at WWDC 2012.

Originally posted 2012-05-11 22:51:41.